Keyla and Sarah have both gone back to their home countries. I'm so grateful to have been able to say goodbye to Keyla in person on the 3rd.
Hasta pronto, hermanita
I've created some things. In addition to writing another historical article and submitting it to the LACA blog (I'll let you know when it gets published), I made some tangible things, as well.
Lamps in my life, not quite the light of my life
I made the pink lampshade out of an electric kettle box and some lining fabric that I cut out of a shirt that didn't really need a lining (especially when worn in a place as hot as SPS). I haven't seen it receive any visitors, though, unlike the lampshade in the living room.
Colorado Pie
"Es la primera vez que he probado pie, y es la primera vez que me encanta!"
On the 5th, MCC had a baking party to "raise some dough" for MCC. (I go into more detail on my Instagram, but basically it's a way to raise awareness about the financial hardships caused by the cancellation of so many relief sales, which is one of the COVID-implicated reasons that the office here in SPS will be closing.) My plug is: as MCC continues peace and justice work around the globe, including COVID response, please consider donating where needed most... contribute the cost of what you'd normally buy at the relief sale, whether that's a bierrock or a quilt!
I decided to make one of my favorite comfort foods, Colorado Pie, for my host family. My host sister Karinita (center) said, "It's the first time that I've tried pie, and it's the first time that I love it!" Turns out, baleada flour doubles well as pastry flour.
Valeria and I made sure it wouldn't be the last time Kari tried pie. A couple weekends ago we banded together to make peach pie.
I think Vale says it best... 👌🏼
🤤🥧
I've also made some virtual things. And virtual... people? Yep, Vale, Kari, and I have had some fun with the Sims 2. We made ourselves of course. Our last name is literally "Crazy Family" (yes, in English). We went on a vacation to Japan. And of course lived other things vicariously through our sims, like going to work and school.
Yay, sister time 💖
Here's another virtual thing I've made: a photo slideshow for our despedida yesterday. We all gathered on Zoom for our official end-of-year ceremony.
Calling in from Cortés, Cundinamarca, Indiana, Maryland, Texas
It was good... We listened to poetry, played charades, did some guided sharing led by Elieth, watched the slideshow, had some time for open reflection, and received awards. I got the award for investigation 😊
Everyone got an award, but it felt good to be recognized for something unique, especially since I'm pretty proud of how I was able to jump into journalistic interviewing this year.
Let's see, what else has happened? The SALT year usually ends with a re-entry retreat in Akron in early July, but this year it was held last week and virtually.
It was great to be able to reconnect with some of the other SALTers and IVEPers who I met last August
I was a little skeptical about doing re-entry while still in country, but I'm grateful it happened when it did. It was a very rich time of sharing and reflection, and it was helpful to get some perspectives from those who had already returned home or are on a similar timeline to me. It's helpful to be able to know what to expect from air travel during COVID and from reverse culture shock, and it also felt good to connect with people who are in the same phase as I am of anxiously awaiting their flight.
Welp, if all goes as planned, I'll be home this weekend. The Honduran government continues to add weird new circulation restrictions, which meant Elieth wasn't able to leave for Nicaragua by land today, but I think I should be able to get to the airport. I appreciate your prayers!
